A FOOD and drink festival has welcomed back its main sponsor for a second year.

The Wensleydale Creamery is to continue its sponsorship of the Dales Festival of Food and Drink, which last year re-launched and moved to Leyburn market place, attracting more than 6,000 visitors over the weekend who enjoyed the very best of food and drink the Dales has to offer.

The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes in Wensleydale, is home to the famous award-winning Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, and sources milk from more than 40 local farms to handcraft its range of cheese, yoghurt and butter.

Richard Sanderson, from the Dales Festival of Food and Drink, said: "Having such an international and world famous brand as the Wensleydale Creamery as the main sponsor for the festival last year was tremendous. To have their continued support for our event is even more fabulous. The creamery’s sponsorship really does provide a significant public profile for the event and contributes massively to the success of the festival."

David Hartley, director of the Wensleydale Creamery said: “We were delighted with the success of last year’s festival, and naturally wish to continue supporting the event. It’s a fantastic showcase of local food and drink, celebrating a wealth of quality produce from our area, and something we are proud to support."

This year the Dales Festival of Food and Drink takes place on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, and welcomes more than 80 food and drink stalls to Leyburn Market Place.

Across the weekend there will also be performances from local bands, cookery demonstrations from some of the best local chefs, cheese-making demonstrations from the Wensleydale Creamery, craft exhibitors, and wellbeing talks.